Photographing churches and cathedrals

Words by Derek Forss

I am not a religious person, but I am greatly moved when art is inspired by the Almighty. I’ve no qualms about entering a church or cathedral to photograph its interior – there is, after all, more than one way to offer worship. Uniquely our holy places present architectural styles spanning almost 1000 years in a single space.

In particular, I enjoy the challenge of shooting our historic cathedrals. Stand at the west end of a cathedral and peer down the nave and you might be forgiven for thinking that the divine spirit is essential for achieving correct exposure. Not only is the interior dimly lit, but artificial illumination splashes the interior with a colour temperature so diverse that any digital sensor would instantly give up the ghost. Whatever the weather is doing outside determines the quality of light inside.

The photographer has to rely on available light – natural or otherwise – and it is a fine balancing act when it comes to avoiding over and underexposure, even in the same shot. Direct sunlight will burn out parts of the image and flash won’t help, so is a tripod essential?

The obvious answer is yes; but with sensors in quality cameras now performing amazingly well at higher ISO settings, handholding is an option and – being a maverick – I use it. Whatever you choose – and not all cathedrals allow tripods – photographic perception is more important than perceived correct procedure. Even in a dimly lit building, contrast is still a dilemma.

Take the classic contrast test: a glorious east window as a backdrop to the choir and high altar – either the window is correctly exposed with the high altar underexposed, or vice versa. You can’t have it both ways… or can you? A graduated filter is an option but there are too many lines for it to be effective. However, with so many advances in digital photography now, I’d use a tripod and take two pictures – one exposed for the window and one for the interior – and merge them together in Photoshop. I only use Photoshop when traditional methods can’t provide the complete answer.

With experience, I’ve learnt to read the light with my eyes. I know that if a stained glass window consists of rich hues and the rest of the building is well illuminated by ambient light, balancing the exposure of the two extremes becomes easier. Of course, there are times when it is mpossible to exclude the overexposure of windows completely, but the use of my legs to secure the best angle often provides the real answer. My images here are a mixture of film and digital. I’ve used a Hasselblad 500CM with Fuji Velvia or Provia for many years, but my current work is digital. I enjoy using the Olympus E-System and have recently treated myself to the 7-14mm super wide-angle lens which is capable of producing breathtaking photographs that have the ‘wow’ factor.

Winter is a favourable period to take pictures as there are fewer people about and the direction of light is lower, illuminating the upper sections of the cathedral. However, always remember that these buildings are primarily places of worship and you are a tourist. Conditions governing photography vary – some are completely relaxed, others want a fee and ban tripods because they are regarded as a hazard, so check the website first or telephone before making a long journey.

I’ve named my favourite cathedrals below but I’d also like to mention Canterbury, Salisbury, Winchester, Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Lichfield, Peterborough, Ripon, Durham and Carlisle. The riches are endless… and that is what is so fascinating about this type of photography.

SHOOT A ZOOMBURST

With the camera fixed to a solid tripod, try operating the zoom barrel during a long exposure of a second or more. The longer the exposure, the more control you have – you usually get the best effects if the zoom barrel is left untouched until half the exposure has elapsed and then start zooming. It’s well worth comparing zooming in with zooming out. The effect does vary, so try both.

KIT BAG

Get really low with a pocket tripod, something like the GorillaPod which is available in various options. The GorillaPod SLR sells for around £32, while the SLR-Zoom version at £50 is even more rugged. Another worthwhile table-top tripod is the Trek T’Pod, which sells for £50. To take the picture, use a remote release lead in conjunction with the camera’s mirror lock-up, if it has one. The other option is to use the self-timer.

CATHEDRALS TO SHOOT

Chichester Cathedral

The cathedral was founded in 1075 and is the only medieval one with a separate bell tower.There are other unique features, including the remains of a Roman mosaic pavement viewable through a window.Despite its age, the cathedral contains several modern works of art including a stained glass window by Marc Chagall.
Photography Free, ask before using a tripod Admission Donation chichestercathedral.org.uk

Ely Cathedral

The view into the cathedral from the West Door shows off the magnificent architecture. The Lantern is the cathedral’s focal point and an unexpectedly difficult subject where the angels decorating its circumference can so easily burn out. Photography Free, use of a tripod £2 Admission Adults £5.20 easterncathedrals.org.uk/ely.html

Exeter Cathedral

Look east down the nave for a fine view of decorated gothic vaulting.
Photography £1, tripod OK Admission £3.50 donation exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Norwich Cathedral

The grand view down the nave is the obvious shot but it can be ruined by loads of chairs in the foreground.
Photography £3, tripods OK but ask first Admission Free, donation requested cathedral.org.uk

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral was first started in 1072, so the current building has plenty of architectural influences.
Photography Free, tripods OK Admission Adults £4 lincolncathedral.com

York Minster

Both inside and out, York Minster offers huge potential for the keen photographer. If you feel energetic, the 275-step climb up the Tower gives great views of York’s ancient streets.The Chapter House mustn’t be missed either.
Photography Free for personal use, tripods OK, photography not permitted in the Undercroft Admission Adults £5.50 for entry into the Minster; £9 for the Do Everything ticket, which includes entry to the Tower, Undercroft and Crypt yorkminster.org

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